Hugs Handcraft – Walking Through 55 Years of Heritage
Anatolia, a land where legends were born and civilizations flourished, is a unique mosaic of priceless cultural heritage. For over 55 years, Hugs Handcraft has proudly been part of this rich tapestry.
Our story began in 1967, driven by a deep respect for leather and a passion for traditional Yemeni footwear—a timeless symbol of our cultural identity. Every stitch in our shoes carries the spirit of craftsmanship, years of experience, and unwavering dedication. But to truly understand our journey, you have to feel it.
It all started in a small Yemeni workshop, during a time when master shoemakers were celebrated for their skill and attention to detail.
Tradition Woven Into Every Stitch
Back then, our artisans used five different types of leather—each from a different animal—for the five key parts of Yemeni shoes:
Outsole: Buffalo or cowhide
Upper: Goatskin
Inner lining: Sheepskin
Insole: Cow or goatskin
Rim: Kidskin
Each piece was carefully cut, shaped in molds, and stitched by hand using waxed cotton thread to prevent water absorption. Once completed, the shoes were hung in pairs on the workshop walls, admired for their natural materials and healthy construction.
More Than Footwear – A Living Legacy
Since those early days, dozens of variations of the Yemeni shoe have been developed. They’ve evolved with time and fashion, yet have always retained their soul. Today, they are not just shoes—they are living expressions of culture, tradition, and identity.
Despite the threat of disappearance, the devotion of our artisans has never faded. Their passion has kept the art alive. At Hugs Handcraft, we’ve never abandoned the traditional methods we started with in 1967.
Honoring the Past, Creating for the Future
We still craft each pair using the most natural and healthy materials available. Every hand that touches a Yemeni shoe today carries decades of passion, precision, and pride.
Our mission is to blend modern aesthetics with authentic tradition, preserving the spirit while embracing contemporary design. Every pair we send is not just a product—it’s a story. It’s a piece of heritage. And it’s our way of offering you a unique perspective on life, one step at a time.